Growing Business - Vehicle

So I’m growing my GC business and adding a full time project manager in a month. I’d like him to have a truck to help move material, meet with clients, and just general work. I already have a 3/4 ton that I personally drive and pull the trailers with. What do you think I should get him? I’ve been looking at a Tacoma but concerned it may be too small.

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Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasay

So I’m growing my GC business and adding a full time project manager in a month. I’d like him to have a truck to help move material, meet with clients, and just general work. I already have a 3/4 ton that I personally drive and pull the trailers with. What do you think I should get him? I’ve been looking at a Tacoma but concerned it may be too small.

Whether you agree or not, some people still feel that driving an American vehicle shows better. Not looking to get political, just saying, some people still think this way, right or wrong.

Do you have an occasion where he may pull a trailer? Are your jobs close by, or is fuel economy an issue? My opinion...More truck is better than less truck

Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

My lower end guy drives the big van with all the tools and the capacity to haul 3000 pounds of material. I can always afford to have him go where the van is needed, and he's the cheapest guy to have pick up materials and such. My vehicle and my higher end guy's vehicle are less important.

__________________
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Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

He’s not meant to do any of the work. I’m in charge of operations and I pulled him out of a sales position with another company to lead business development for me. His main goal is to go out and get business and help with the sites on the side. That’s why I was thinking of the smaller truck.

I also have had multiple gas domestic trucks and they have all died right around 125k miles. I’ve had 2 tundras and they both hit 200k with no issues. Have a hard time going “American” unless it’s diesel

Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasay

Heís not meant to do any of the work. Iím in charge of operations and I pulled him out of a sales position with another company to lead business development for me. His main goal is to go out and get business and help with the sites on the side. Thatís why I was thinking of the smaller truck.

I also have had multiple gas domestic trucks and they have all died right around 125k miles. Iíve had 2 tundras and they both hit 200k with no issues. Have a hard time going ďAmericanĒ unless itís diesel

I think you have had bad luck. I had a Chrysler that went to 235k with no issue before it started on fire. My Currant vehicle that I drive when not working is a Chevy and it is at 196k and I have no plans to replace it any time soon.

Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasay

Heís not meant to do any of the work. Iím in charge of operations and I pulled him out of a sales position with another company to lead business development for me. His main goal is to go out and get business and help with the sites on the side. Thatís why I was thinking of the smaller truck.

I also have had multiple gas domestic trucks and they have all died right around 125k miles. Iíve had 2 tundras and they both hit 200k with no issues. Have a hard time going ďAmericanĒ unless itís diesel

Wow man that sucks. Most of the gassers I run go 300k and I am not chvey dodge or ford picky.
That being said I have three f350s.
Two diesel and one gas. I like the gasser best. Diesel is just too damn high maitenance costs. Especially with ford.

I would probably look to the ecoboost and keep it well maintained. A guy I know in traffic safety equip has put 300k on a few with all the savings on gas.

Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

You've definitely had bad luck if your vehicles are puking at 125k miles. We run a fleet of 1/2 & 3/4 ton Ford & Chevy pickups and average about 250k on them before we replace and sell them off, and most of them are still pretty solid.

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Growing Business - Vehicle

Regardless of luck or vehicle nationality. Should I go with a mini truck, 1/2 ton, or 3/4 ton truck for the new guy? My primary thought is a Tacoma, ranger, or Colorado. Reliable, better gas mileage and can still move lumber and guys to job sites. I also wonder if I shouldn’t do another 3/4 ton to help me move trailers and in a pinch larger material runs.

Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasay

Regardless of luck or vehicle nationality. Should I go with a mini truck, 1/2 ton, or 3/4 ton truck for the new guy? My primary thought is a Tacoma, ranger, or Colorado. Reliable, better gas mileage and can still move lumber and guys to job sites. I also wonder if I shouldnít do another 3/4 ton to help me move trailers and in a pinch larger material runs.

Mini trucks get dam near as poor milage as half tons, cost a few grand less and can't haul anything.

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Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

Id have to agree with the regular cab longbed 2wd... Get that from Ford Dodge or Chevy with any of their naturally aspirated v6s and I think thats a good low cost decision. Pretty sure they can all tow 7500lbs +

Re:
Growing Business - Vehicle

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarboarder

I want to get the eco boost. solid engine.

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Me too.
I know a millionaire that swears by them.
Greatest mechanic I know made fun of them when he heard about them. He hates ford and I can understand why because ford is more difficult to fix usually than chevy.

Anyway, he has had to retract that because they seem to hold up great and with the extra fuel mileage a man can afford some extra maitenance.

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